In the wake of the recent Anthrax outbreak in Kyotera District, it is crucial for residents and the general public to stay informed and vigilant.
Anthrax is an infectious bacterial disease affecting both humans and animals, caused by the spore-forming bacteria Bacillus anthracis.
It can affect humans as well as animals including cattle, sheep, goats and antelopes.
By December 12, 2023, Masaka Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and Kyotera District Health Office had reported 10 human deaths, with 2 confirmed and 8 suspected cases of Anthrax-related fatalities.
Additionally, 62 cattle had succumbed to the disease, emphasizing the severity of the outbreak.
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How the outbreak came about
The outbreak traces back to June 2023 when a cow died on a farm in Kyamayembe Village, Bwamiija Parish, Kabira Sub-County in Kyotera District.
The meat of the dead cow was sold by meat dealers at a cost between 5000-7000/= within the community.
The consumption of meat from the deceased animal by local residents led to symptoms such as itching, rash, swelling, and skin lesions, primarily on the arms and hands.
Recognizing Anthrax symptoms
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Anthrax symptoms manifest two to five days after exposure. Residents of Kabira sub-county reported symptoms including the following:
- Skin itching
- Swelling
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain,
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- vomiting
- diarrhea
Who is at risk?
People can contract Anthrax after coming into contact with infected animals or their products such as meat, milk, hides or hair.
The people at risk, according to CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/risk), include veterinarians, livestock farmers and consumers of the products such as meat and milk.
Preventive measures
The preventive measures should be meant:
To prevent disease outbreaks in the first place, protect people and animals from contracting the diseases in case of outbreaks, and to protect the livestock markets and their products and public health.
In Uganda, the following approaches are taken to curb the spread of arthrax.
- Quarantine: Authorities have stopped the movement of animals from the affected places
- Vaccination of animals. As of December 12, 2023, more than 1800 cattle had been vaccinated.
- Disinfection of infected places
- Disposal of carcasses and animal products
- Surveillance of the events surrounding the outbreak
Where to access health services
In Masaka
Masaka Regional Referral Hospital
Location: Masaka City
Contact: +256417712260
Open 24 hours
In Kyotera
Kalisizo General Hospital
Location: Kalisizo Town
Open 24 hours
In Kampala
Mulago National Referral Hospital
Mulago Hill, P.O BOX 7051, Kampala Uganda.
Email: admin@mulagohospital.go.ug.
Call: +256-414-554001
Africa Humanitarian Action,
Plot 4285 Block 244 Kansanga Opposite Bank of Baroda,
P.O BOX 7730, Kampala Uganda
Kiruddu National Referral Hospital
Salama Road, Kampala, Makindye division,
Kampala Capital City Authority Health Centre IV
Kisenyi, Mengo Division, Kampala
In Kyaka II refugee settlement
Refugees in Kyaka II settlement can access health services from Medical Teams International (MTI).
Medical Teams International health services are accessible in all the zones in Kyaka, including; Bukere, Bwiriza, Mukonde, and Kaborogota. The main branch is in Bujubuli Zone.
If you have any questions about living in Uganda as a refugee, please contact Tubulire on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/Tubulire.Info or send us a message on WhatsApp +256 743345003 from Monday to Friday from 08:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.